Romain Bardet signed with Decathlon... to try to retain Paul Seixas?

The Decathlon CMA CGM project has just added one of the most important figures in its recent history. The French team has officially announced that Romain Bardet will join its structure starting January 1, 2027, as the new sports manager, a position from which he will participate in the strategic direction of the entire structure, from the WorldTour to the NewGen development program.

Romain Bardet returns home: he will be the new sports manager of Decathlon CMA CGM from 2027

Bardet's arrival marks the return of one of the most emblematic riders of the French team. The climber defended the team's colors, then AG2R, between 2012 and 2020, achieving two podiums in the Tour de France and becoming for years the great hope of French cycling to reclaim the Grande Boucle.

A key role in the team's sports evolution

According to the French formation, Bardet will work alongside the general management and the sports area to enhance the overall performance of the structure, the development of the riders, and the consolidation of the team among the references of the international peloton.

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Dominique Serieys, general director of Decathlon Cycling Team, highlighted the importance of his incorporation:

“We are very happy to welcome Romain Bardet in his new role as sports manager. His experience and knowledge of the structure will be valuable assets to support the development of our sports project and continue our ambition for performance at the highest international level.”

Serieys added that the appointment is part of the modernization and growth process initiated in recent years:

“His role will fully fit into the continuity of the structuring work carried out in recent years, with the aim of continuing to raise the level of collective performance and consolidating the team durably among the references of world cycling.”

Bardet begins a new chapter off the bike

After ending his professional career in 2025, Bardet had left the door open to take on management roles within cycling. He will now take that step in the same structure where he was trained and reached the elite.

The Frenchman explained his return:

“I am very happy to return to the DECATHLON CMA CGM team. I have always had the ambition to evolve into management roles to play a performance-oriented role, to develop the riders, and to lead a structure.”

He added:

“I am very lucky to receive this trust to advise our riders and build the best projects, both for them and for the team.”

Bardet also highlighted the transformation experienced by the team since his departure:

“Since my departure, the evolution of the structure has been impressive. With solid partners, the team has managed to rely on a true heritage to embark on a modernization process, attract the best riders, and aspire to victory in the most important races.”

The Paul Seixas factor

Although the official statement does not mention specific names, it is difficult to separate Bardet's signing from the situation currently facing Paul Seixas.

At just 19 years old, Seixas has become one of the great sensations of world cycling. His extraordinary performance this season has sparked the interest of several of the most powerful WorldTour teams, precisely as he approaches the end of his current contract with Decathlon CMA CGM.

Various reports published in France suggest that one of Bardet's roles could be to act as a mentor for the young French talent. No one knows better than he does the pressure of being labeled as the next great hope of French cycling and carrying the expectations of a country that has been waiting for over forty years for a Tour de France winner.

Bardet's experience, both inside and outside the peloton, could become a key tool to help Seixas manage his sporting progression while simultaneously strengthening the team's arguments to convince him to continue leading the French project.

The operation also fits with the moves that Decathlon CMA CGM is making to strengthen its structure around its great jewel. The recent departure of Felix Gall and rumors about possible changes in the team's license to optimize economic resources indicate that the formation is working to remain competitive against the growing interest of the major powers in the WorldTour.

If Seixas ultimately decides to renew, Bardet's arrival could end up being one of the fundamental pieces to secure the future of French cycling.